Royal Antique Rugs

Royal Antique Rugs is a century-old business owned and operated by the Bakhshi family of Tehran. We specialize in the buying, selling, cleaning and expert restoration of antique rugs and hand woven textiles. Owner David Bakhshi is recognized internationally for his extensive knowledge and superior restoration skills. In 1996 together with his father, David established his business at 270 Eglinton Aevenue West in Toronto, and in 1997 opened a branch in New York City which continues to thrive, so that along with the Kingston location at 214 Princess Street, and including some technical support from the family business in Iran for extensive and important restorations, the Toronto location of Royal Antique Rugs is the center of a world wide business devoted to the buying, selling and expert restoration of fine oriental carpets with a loyal and growing clientele stretching across Canada and into the U.S. and even Europe. All the staff of Royal Antique Rugs are personally trained by David himself. His skill and expertise in the handling of rare and valuable rugs has resulted in a long list of satisfied clients including The Textile Museum of Canada, The City of Toronto, Ontario Parks, The Beth Tzedec Museum and many designers and private collectors.

A History

David Bakhshi was born in the rug producing area of Tabriz, in the town of Mianeh. He grew up watching and imitating his mother and grandmother as they wove tribal rugs for the family business. When he was 12 years old, David apprenticed with the prominent Tehran rug merchant, Shokrian, who had a company employing 60 people.

During his apprenticeship, David learned the art of maintaining and restoring oriental rugs. In addition, he excelled in the techniques used in the natural dyeing of the wool used in their production. David came to understand the classiﬁcation of rugs, their designs, and the weaving methods of the various rug producing regions of the world.

A quick study, it wasn’t long before customers were asking for him personally to restore their most valuable pieces. Within two years of beginning his apprenticeship, David joined the family business and he immediately added the purchase of antique rugs in need of restoration for purposes of reselling the ﬁnal product.

At 19, David moved to Rome for several years and continued his practice of buying, selling and restoring antique rugs for serious collectors. His customers included Rome’s mayor and Italy’s top jewelry designer, the iconic Paolo Bulgari. David determined that there was a local demand for his services by demonstrating restoration techniques on Sundays at the Kingston market square, He opened his full service gallery in 2009. Working with local collectors and clients including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre encouraged David to set down roots in Kingston.

In June of 2015, Kingston Royal Rugs moved into its newly renovated home at 214 Princess Street just steps from the Grand Theatre.

Presently, Royal Antique Rugs has one of the most extensive collections of tribal rugs that can be found in a single collection.

In addition to buying and selling handmade carpets, we are able to offer a full range of services including cleaning, restoration and appraisals. Every item coming into Kingston Royal Rugs receives David's personal attention to determine the best cleaning and repair methods to use in restoring its original beauty, structural integrity and value. Our new location offers items of extreme rarity and value, more space and ample off-road parking for greater customer convenience. Hope to see you soon!